Cultural and creative life

Sydney New Year’s Eve fundraising appeal at more than $13m

Thanks to the generosity of locals and visitors, a staggering $13.3 million has been raised for the Red Cross disaster relief and recovery fund.

NYE harbour fireworks 2019

Sydney New Year’s Eve revellers and ABC live broadcast viewers were encouraged to donate to the Red Cross bushfire appeal as they saw in the start of 2020.

We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who made a donation.

The decision to go ahead with the event wasn't an easy one. Those suffering from the impacts of the bushfires were front of mind throughout the evening.

You can still donate to the Red Cross disaster relief and recovery fund.

Every cent of your donation makes it possible for Red Cross to help people. The Australian Red Cross Relief and Recovery fund is specifically set up to give people support when disasters happen.

Your contribution will help support thousands of people in evacuation centres in NSW and Victoria.

This fund has already helped support more than 13,500 Australians at evacuation centres, recovery hubs and over the phone when disasters strike. It’s now providing cash grants of $2,000 to people who have lost their homes in the recent bushfires, so they can meet everyday expenses.

It helps Red Cross emergency volunteers get to disaster-affected areas, covers their expenses and funds their equipment and training. It means Red Cross can be there whenever a disaster strikes and stay afterwards to help people and communities recover.

The City of Sydney has donated $620,000 to bushfire and drought relief and wildlife rescue. We’re also sending staff, vehicles and other support to assist emergency services with bushfire relief and clean-up efforts.

Published 6 January 2020, updated 9 January 2020